Friday Updates - February 3, 2023

Friday, February 3, 2023

The Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center located at 100 Durham Point Road accepts brush and tree limbs no greater than 5” in diameter free of charge to Durham residents. The Facility is open Tuesday’s and Saturday’s from 7:30am – 3:00pm. A reminder that a permit is required to use the Facility may be obtained from either the Durham Public Works Office or Durham Town Hall. 

WITH TRAGIC NEWS OUT OF MEMPHIS, A DISCUSSION ABOUT POLICING IN DURHAM

The delivery of law enforcement services and the public’s perception of the delivery of these services are subjective and often complex. While there are many aspects to such perceptions, generally they can be grouped into three categories: overall public image of the police department, perceptions of the outcome of the delivery of police services, and perceptions of police procedure and how it impacts real people on a personal level.

The “Friday Updates” has been utilized as a medium to recommit how the police chief, police administrative staff, and police officers at the Durham Police Department view their role as an important part of the Durham community. Such reaffirmation is important as there should be an understanding of the type of service a person will receive from their local police department.

In Plato’s “Republic”, Plato viewed a perfect democracy giving the greatest amount of power to those called the Guardians who would protect the democracy and focus upon ethics, integrity, and virtue. Sir Robert Peel, who some view as the father of modern policing, is quoted as saying, “The police are the people and the people are the police.” Peel was a believer that police officers, in the performance of their duties, would be able to prevent crime without intruding upon the lives of citizens.

Unfortunately, there continue to be national instances of very poorly accomplished police actions and/or outright misconduct on the nightly news, which has rekindled among public policy practitioners the concept of a “Warrior” (a culture and mindset more like warriors at war with the people police are sworn to protect and serve) versus the “Guardian” delivery of policing services described. The tragic incident in Memphis undertaken by a designated police task force called “Scorpion” is the most recent example of the Warrior mentality gone terribly wrong. 

The reality that Plato was philosophizing on such topics 2,400 years ago illustrates that this is obviously not a new concept or an easy issue, but it’s important to note that the Guardian role has been the approach of the Durham Police Department for the past 20+ years. Every member of the organization believes that creating strong connections and community engagement will lead to improved public safety and more effective delivery of policing services. This approach also emphasizes procedural justice designed to reinforce police legitimacy, which is the public’s perception that the actions of the police are warranted and in the best interest of (and in service of) the community.

People who believe the police are “procedurally just” are more likely to trust them, see them as legitimate, and comply with their lawful requests. The practice of procedural justice in community interactions entails making decisions transparently, allowing community members to voice their opinions, treating people respectfully, fairly, and impartially, and building trust within the community one interaction at a time.

As Guardians, our police officers are committed to function as part of the broader Durham community, demonstrating compassion and employing consistency in the way policing is undertaken. While that does not eliminate mistakes or misunderstandings, the entire agency is committed to doing the right thing at the right time and continuously trying to improve.

It is the Town Charter, adopted by the citizens of Durham, that authorizes and bestows the use of policing powers from the Town Council to the Administrator to the Durham Police Department, which is one reason why the Team at the department works diligently to be as transparent as possible. By providing the community the department’s annual “response to resistance” and other key annual reporting metrics, citizens can view when force was used by officers and under what circumstances, as well as other data points such as the department’s annual bias review and pursuit analysis, all serving to support the proposition that the public’s trust bestowed upon the organization is warranted.

To reaffirm:  The dedicated, hard-working, and intelligent staff at the Durham Police Department understand their role as Guardians in service to the Durham community.

To read the reports, please click HERE.

The following is a list of candidates that have filed for positions for the March 14, 2023 Town & Oyster River Cooperative School District Election.

Three positions for Town Councilor (3-year term)

• Wayne Burton
• Emily Friedrichs
• Sally W. Needell

Two positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year term)

• Robin Glasser
• Kimberly Sweetman

One position for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (1-year term)

• Randall O'Brien

One position for Trustee of the Trust Funds (3-year term)

• Theodore Howard

One position for Town Clerk-Tax Collector (3-year term)

• Rachel Deane

One position for Town Treasurer (3-year term)

• Karl A. Van Asselt

Two positions for School Board At-Large (3-year term)

• Denise Day
• Giana Gelsey

One position for School Board Durham Member (1-year term)

• Thomas Newkirk

One position for School District Moderator

• Michael Williams

2022 YEAR END GROSS WAGES COMPILED FOR DURHAM

We have compiled and uploaded the 2022 year-end gross wages for Durham on our web site as we do every year. This information can be accessed HERE.

While the Town is under no obligation to do so, Admin. Selig believes it is important for the community to be able to easily understand what public employees and officials are paid by the municipality in a completely open manner. Business Manager Gail Jablonski therefore annually prepares the costs of full time, part-time, overtime wages, and other compensation-related payments. 

PROTECT YOUR BODY FROM THE FRIGID TEMPERATURES THIS WEEKEND....

Please stay safe during this cold snap by:

1) Dressing in layers: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of one heavy layer to keep warm.

2) Covering exposed skin: Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to protect your extremities from frostbite,

3) Staying dry: Wet clothing can cause rapid heat loss.

4) Staying active: Physical activity generates body heat and helps keep you warm.

5) Saying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration, which can make you feel cold.

6) Limiting time outside: Try to limit the amount of time you spend outside in extremely cold weather.

7) Being prepared for emergencies: Keep a winter survival kit in your car, including blankets, food, water, and a phone charger.

8) Watching for signs of hypothermia: Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and fatigue.

9) Checking on vulnerable individuals: Seniors, children, and people with disabilities are more susceptible to cold-related health issues.

10) Heating safety: Use caution when using space heaters and make sure they are placed on a level surface and away from flammable objects.

...AND TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AS WELL!

Newer homes will struggle to maintain temperature, and older homes will NOT maintain temperature. The temperature WILL drop while the heating system is working at full capacity.

1. Raise the temperature in your home 2 to 4 degrees above your normal setting. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish and risk a freezing pipe!
2. Take all programmable thermostats out of setback mode and set on a permanent HOLD.
3. If you have a furnace; replace the filter.
4. Keep garage doors closed.
5. Limit opening exterior doors.
6. Make sure air vents and radiators are not blocked or obstructed.
7. If you have a 90%+ furnace and boiler, you must keep the intake and exhaust clear of ice and snow. During these cold temperatures, ice can build up. A 90%+ furnace and boiler have 2 white PVC pipes; an exhaust pipe, and an intake pipe that are generally on the side or back of your home.
8. Refrain from using pellet stoves or supplemental heat forms if you have a water-based heating system. The pipes WILL freeze.

If the temperature in your home is dropping and your radiators are HOT with boiler systems or you have HOT air coming out of your vents with furnaces, DO NOT PANIC. Please make sure that your heating system continues to operate.

If the temperatures drop in your home, it will not be able to recover until temperatures rise and the windchill diminishes. Our heating systems cannot overcome temperatures -20 to -30. They are sized to operate at 0 degrees outdoor. Put your thermostat on hold at 70 degrees or higher.

To help minimize temperature loss, you can boil water, make soup or stews, or bake something - it helps introduce humidity and warmer temperatures into your home. Please check on neighbors and elderly residents during these extreme temperatures. Stay warm and safe this week.

The key is to NOT panic with falling temps inside your home if you have heat coming out of your registers. It is doing all it can. If it had feelings, it would be crying!

Stay safe and bring your pets inside!

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION!

While inspecting properties for improvements/renovations, it has been noted that several property owners in Durham who have installed solar equipment have not applied for their solar exemption.

If you own property in Durham and have recently installed, upgraded or replaced a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of your building; heat water or to provide electricity, you may qualify for a solar exemption. If you are already receiving a solar exemption, you do not need to reapply.  

The Town of Durham adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 where you may qualify for a solar exemption from your property tax assessment.

To qualify for this exemption, you must submit a PA-29 exemption application by April 15, 2023. Applications are located on the Town’s website or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s Office. Your application must also include the invoice that includes a detailed list of what equipment was installed on your property and cost of the project. 

 If approved, this exemption will be applied to your 2023 assessment. If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064.

With the Durham Agricultural Commissions' endorsement, there will be a series of fruit tree pruning workshops in the month of February within our watershed community. Join in reconnecting with the landscapes to restore and recommit your relationships to place. These workshops will be held in different locations on Saturdays from 1-4 pm. During the workshop, techniques and practices of pruning will be discussed with fellow community member Bryan Cassidy who will support participants to actively engage in pruning in the later part of the workshop. Bryan believes that pruning fruit trees benefits the ecosystem (wildlife and human) through shelter, fruit, and health but maybe more importantly our interdependence of belonging and supporting the abundant gifts that come from a little attention close at hand and foot.

When: Saturdays 1-4 pm.

February 11th: LaRoche Farm (older apples/peaches) 41 Bennett Road Durham NH

February 18th: Emery Farm (older apples) 147 Piscataqua Rd, Durham, NH

February 25th: Tuckaway Farm (blueberries) 36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd, Lee, NH

What to bring: Wardrobe for the weather, water/snacks, and any tools available to you (loppers, pruning saw, pole saw, gloves, safety glasses to prevent falling wood shavings from saw cuts.) 

Cost: These workshops will be by donation to welcome all who are interested without a fee for entrance. Any donation is gratefully accepted, without any expectation, to Bryan Cassidy by cash or check.

Please write to bryancassidy77@gmail.com your intentions to join a workshop to gain more information such as parking for an event, or with any questions you may have.

PLANNING BOARD UPDATE - Looking at potential amendments to Zoning Ordinance definitions during the present slow period in terms of new development applications.

The Planning Board does not have any significant new development proposals at this time. But this gives the board an opportunity to review needed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Board is engaged in a thorough rewrite of the ordinance which has not been extensively amended in many years. The board is going through the ordinance section by section and is now reviewing definitions (What could be more exciting than that!). It will proceed with conditional uses, zoning districts, overlay districts, conservation subdivisions, the table of uses, the table of dimensions, etc. as time allows. There will be a public hearing for each section once the board is satisfied with proposed changes.

This is a friendly reminder that the Town of Durham has an ordinance regarding the Regulation of Dogs- Removal of Feces.

The ordinance states, “Any owner or person having custody of any dog shall not permit the dog on public grounds, including public streets, sidewalks, parks, or any other public grounds within the town, unless the owner or person in control has in their possession a mechanical or other device for the removal of excrement/feces, nor shall such owner or person in control fail to expeditiously remove any such excrement/feces deposited by the dog in any such place, and subsequently dispose of said waste in a public trash receptacle, public dog waste receptacle, or by other means on property owned or occupied by the dog owner or the person with custody of the dog.” Thank you in advance for your cooperation and effort to keep the town safe and clean!

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2021, over 92,000 victims over the age of 60 reported losses of $1.7 billion. The number of losses for 2022 is expected to increase significantly. In 2023, area police agencies are reporting even more increased scam activity already. 

This week, Police in Dunbarton and Somersworth, NH, reported active telephone scams targeting people who were identified as having grandchildren. Those victims lost tens of thousands of dollars. The money will likely never be recovered for them. 

The scams all start off the same, “Your grandson or granddaughter was in an accident and is in jail. They need your help.” The caller goes on to identify (usually accurately) the name of your actual grandchild and says they are in a local jail. They may provide a phone number to an attorney or public defender and say that without sending cash, they will be in real trouble. 

If you get a call similar to this, here are some tips:

• Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story sounds.
• Take time to verify the information being given to you. You can always call the Durham Police Department to assist you. We have the ability to verify if someone is arrested and in custody, even in another jurisdiction. 
• Collect as much information as possible about the person asking for the money.
• Call a verified phone number for the person who says they are in jail. Talk to your friends and family about the situation before acting on anything. 
• NEVER wire money. Instead, work in conjunction with the Durham Police Department and offer to have someone come to your house to collect cash. If a legitimate arrest has been made, no law enforcement agency in New Hampshire would ever do this. You would be required to come to a police station or jail facility to bail a person out.
• Try to obtain as much information about the person calling you as possible. The telephone number they are calling from (if you have caller ID), a telephone number you can call them back at, their name, an address they would want the money sent to.
• Contact the Durham Police Department immediately. 

Do not become the victim of a scam. If something seems odd or not true, it likely is. Never hesitate to hang up and contact the police, we are here to assist you in determining if this is a real event or likely a scam!

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #5

DO YOU HAVE SMOKE DETECTORS? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SOUND LIKE?

Smoke detectors warn you when there is smoke in your house. Replace your batteries every year, when you change the time on your clocks. Here is a fun link for Family’s Fire Safety Checklist from Monroe County FLA.

CURBSIDE COLLECTION SOLLID WASTE AND RECYCLING REVIEW

Durham Public Works and the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) are evaluating various solid waste collection options as the current fleet of trucks and solid waste collection and processing equipment reach the end of their useful life requiring replacement over the next one to two years. One option under evaluation includes the potential conversion to automated collection equipment vehicles and distribution of standardized bins to accommodate this type of collection.   A curbside solid waste collection review in advance of any programmatic changes like this is important because it will provide valuable data needed to make informed decisions about the amount of solid waste and recycling set out and bin size required.

Over the next several months you may encounter DPW team members in the field gathering data using portable tablets and GIS based applications and software to begin this analysis. This effort will provide information on the current waste and recycling trends, the types of materials being set out, and the volume of solid waste and recyclables being set out. This data will help identify proper bin sizes to ensure adequate capacity for the waste and recycling collection while also providing cost savings to Durham. Additionally, this data will help inform the Town around any solid waste program changes, including any decision to transition to automated collection and provide an understanding of the impact automated collection will have on its residents and businesses. By better understanding the curbside collection set outs, the Town’s program can be tailored to optimize waste reduction and better meet the needs of the community while having a positive environmental effect.

The DPW Snow and Ice Control team is starting to catch their breath after a recent parade of seven impactful winter storms during the month of January. The most consequential period was from January 19^th – 23^rd.

A coastal low-pressure system on January 19^th produced an extended period of heavy, wet snow. Ground temperatures above freezing prevented much of the snow from accumulating on road surfaces, however less insulated tree canopies acted as magnets, allowing several inches to accumulate on them. Cloudy conditions in the two days preceding the event prevented the accumulation from melting off the trees, setting the stage for significant impacts should a second similar storm affect the area. 

A second heavy, wet snow event began during the evening of January 22^nd. Low pressure tracking through the Gulf of Maine added an additional 3” of snow to the already weighted tree canopies. A light glaze of ice and rain added additional weight, resulting in a domino effect of impacts to the electrical grid in Durham as tree limbs and canopies succumbed to the weight of the snow and ice. Emergency responders closed dozens of roadways for trees which had fallen, many of which pulled down electrical utilities with them.

DPW began the clean-up effort late last week, addressing debris which had fallen within the public right-of-way. It is expected that this effort will last an additional two weeks, provided additional emergency responses for snow and ice do not occur.

WAGON HILL FARM TRIBUTARY BRIDGE PROJECT

DPW is pleased to report that on December 29^th 2022, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services issued a Standard Wetlands Permit for impacts related to the Tributary Bridge Project which will replace a bridge and wooden boardwalk in disrepair with a new bridge crossing and 6-foot wide timber boardwalk and gravel trail. With the approval of the wetland permit, DPW can now advance the design plans to final completion and bid documents. This project is anticipated to begin construction during the 2023 or 2024 construction season. 

Part of a comprehensive pavement management program at DPW includes pavement preservation techniques such as full depth and ongoing patching. During cold weather winter conditions, the options for patching are limited and public works operations resort to using a “cold patch” mixture. Cold patch is a mixture of asphalt, aggregate and liquid asphalt and serves as a temporary measure typically used in emergency situations requiring multiple visits to maintain. A hot box pavement patch system allows for the use of heated bituminous asphalt year-round allowing for cold weather pavement work. A hot box trailer is a cost-effective way to transport asphalt and keep it hot all day. It can hold hot mix overnight and heat or re-heat throughout the day. The hot box trailer improves sustainable public works practices as it can also recycle leftover asphalt chunks and millings for use in the patching program.

DPW, fortunately, procured a Falcon Hot Box in FY22 for use in its Roadway Maintenance Program. Highway Division crews utilized this equipment recently during subfreezing conditions to fill potholes and other rutted sections of roadway using bituminous asphalt which was heated to 300 degrees. Targeted roads included Emerson Road, Madbury Road, and Durham Point Road.

PART TIME SEASONAL DPW LABORERS WANTED

The Town is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire’s flagship campus. Durham Public Works, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking several highly motivated team members to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Part-Time Seasonal Laborer.

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $14-16/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40 hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawn mowers, string trimmers, and lead blowers is desired.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 10th, 2023.   

SEEKING REGULAR PART-TIME MECHANIC

DPW is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Regular Part-Time Equipment Mechanic.

The successful candidate will assist the Fleet Services Supervisor in the maintenance, repair, and installation of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment within the Public Works Fleet. Responsibilities include diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, performing regular preventative maintenance on equipment, ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently, and keeping accurate and detailed maintenance records. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Fleet Services Supervisor and Operations Manager.

The salary for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr, depending upon qualifications. Flexible scheduling is available for this 24 hour per week position, with normal work hours from 7:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (1) year of experience or formal training in the maintenance of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment. Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License and State Inspection Certification desired.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 10th, 2023.   

ORCSD DELIBERATIVE SESSION IS FEBRUARY 7 - at 7:00 PM at the new OR Middle School Recital Hall on Coe Drive in Durham.

Despite an 8.2% inflation at the time of its development, the 2023-2024 Oyster River Cooperative District’s budget sees a 1.54% increase from the previous year. It is one of the District’s smallest increases in a decade. This annual inflation rate, combined with ORCSD’s loss of state funding equaled to $847,318, created a challenging situation for the Oyster River School Board. 

ORCSD is offering early retirement incentives, cutting unfilled positions, choosing not to repave the Moharimet parking lot, and will be forgoing a new carpet for Mast Way’s library. However, Superintendent James Morse indicates the real story isn’t about numbers or financial operations. It’s about maintaining an unwavering focus on student needs.

Parents, guardians, and teaching staff’s high expectations coupled with engaging coursework are the reasons ORCSD students distinguish themselves. Oyster River is highly competitive, and Supt. Morse indicates the District is proud to be one of the highest performing school systems in the country. 

ORCSD’s high aggregate SAT score of 1118 with 82% participation is one of the highest in the state and ORCSD’s math scores are 27% above state average. 

In 2022, the District’s high school’s graduation rate was 98.58% and its college placement was 83%. 

Supt. Morse indicates the District’s students shine locally and internationally. The Middle School’s Robotics Club sent three teams to the world championship in Dallas last year, and the following High School athletic clubs won their respective state championships: Division II Golf (2021), Unified Soccer Team (2021), Girls’ Cross Country (2022) and selected music students participated in All States. 

Recent recognition of ORCSD staff’s achievements includes Alida Carter receiving the New Hampshire Department of Education’s NH PE Teacher of the Year Award (2022-2023) and Val Wolfson receiving the NH Social Studies Teacher of the Year. 

Yet not all children thrive academically. Supt. Morse indicates it is imperative ORCSD maintains a holistic perspective of their development. To that end, Oyster River has implemented a multi-tiered support system (MTSS), prioritized social emotional learning (SEL), mental health, and suicide prevention. These initiatives have proven to be vital to Oyster River schools. 

Supt. Morse invites all community members to attend the budget Deliberative Session at the new Middle School in the Recital Hall on February 7, 2023.

IN OTHER OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS....

Kindergarten Registration for fall 2023 begins Monday, February 6 and runs through Tuesday, February 14. Parents and guardians can register at either Mast Way or Moharimet School. Families will be notified of school and student placement in August. More details can be found HERE. Call school offices for details.

Student members of the Oyster River High School Sustainability Club presented their experience at the Youth Climate Leadership Academy and how they are applying what they learned to addressing challenges around sustainability in transportation, food sources, and food waste. 

The ORHS Girls and Boys Basketball Teams welcomes you to come and support your teams! $10 Season Pass, $3 per game, Seniors and Students Free.

All games are held in the Oyster River High School gymnasium at 55 Coe Drive, Durham, NH 03824. For more information and updated game schedules, please visit Oyster River High School (oysterriverathletics.org).

UNH SEEKS TRANSPORTATION GRANTS WITH SUPPORT FROM DURHAM

UNH submitted three new funding applications under the USDOT Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) program on January 5th.   The statewide competitive program uses USDOT federal funding.  Committee recommendations are due to the NH Department of Transportation Commissioner this summer.  Approximately $16M of federal funding is available in this cycle. Selected projects would be funded starting is Fiscal Year 2025-26. Each application requests the max available 80% federal funding with 20% local match provided by UNH (and Durham for EV charging).

Wildcat Transit Fleet - $3.75M Fleet replacement would provide resources for CNG and Electric full-size transit vehicles to replace existing diesel and CNG buses, which will be at the end of their useful life.

NH 155A/Main/Mast intersection upgrade - $1.3M Funding for design and construction of upgraded intersection (roundabout is preferred solution by Durham & UNH) to safely accommodate traffic, transit and bike/ped growth while reducing vehicle backup.  This project is also being considered for general funding in the state Ten Year Plan as two of the legs (NH155A) are state highways owned/maintained.

Durham-UNH EV Charging - $375,000 Funding for installation of public EV destination (Level 2/2+) charging at 3-4 sites on UNH campus and/or downtown.  UNH sites are primarily visitor parking lots. The Durham sites would include expanded EV stations in the Pettee Brook Metered Lot, Depot Road Lot, etc. This project is also being pursued under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program – although that program would only fund higher level DC fast fill stations within one mile of the state designated corridor.

Director of Planning Michael Behrendt and Administrator Todd Selig serve as Durham representatives on the UNH Transportation Policy Committee.

COLLEGE ROAD IS OPEN! An update on the utility project from UNH. 

UNH contractors substantially completed the College Road Utility project andboth College Road and Library Way were opened on January 20th. With this reopening, Wildcat Transit/Campus Connector service was restored on the south side of campus in time for start of spring semester.     

South Drive will remain open to general traffic (no gate) with ongoing evaluation of traffic conditions.  Final landscape and sidewalk work will be completed in the spring as weather permits.

UNH will be enhancing signage to dissuade pedestrians from using the section of Waterworks between Colovos Road and South Drive.